Jim Burke Custom Knives

Burke Knives are some of the finest quality edged tools available. Jim has been making knives since 1989 but it wasn't until 2005 that he really took off. Jim has made cutlery for soldiers and high end collectors alike. His law enforcement background and love of the outdoors and hunting means he knows what will work and what won't. A good blade is always an essential tool when you are in the wilderness or depend on it for your life. Jim knows he can provide you with a high quality product, one that you will be proud to own and will, no doubt, last you a lifetime.

In 1989 I made my first knife; it wasn’t much, just a straight blade. I would have been about 15 at the time. I picked this up from my father, who picked it up from a distant uncle. As the years passed I continued to make a knife every now and then as my interest in cutlery grew.

In 1994 I made the decision that I would enter into the profession of Law Enforcement. It didn’t take long for me to decide I needed a tough folding knife to carry while on duty. I looked at many production model folders at the time and none of them really suited me. So, my father and I took to the task of figuring out how to build a liner locking folder. This turned out to be a bit of an adventure, due to the fact that we had no help whatsoever. I only had pictures I had found in magazines to go by so we ended up building three prototypes before finding the right combination of utility and combat. Hence, my first knife design, The Number One Utility Folder was born. I ended up making them for fellow officers and friends for nothing more than material fees.

My career in Law Enforcement led me down many roads, anything I could do to feed my adrenalin rush. I participated in many different aspects of the profession, Fugitive Apprehension, SWAT, and the Narcotics Raid Team, to name a few. I was fortunate enough to receive some very specialized training during this time. The professionals that trained me helped me get involved in the Security Contract world, doing Personal Protection, and recovery of persons and assets.

To add to this, I have always been a hunter and outdoorsman. A good blade is always an essential tool when you are in the wilderness.

All the above has given me the opportunity to use my blades in almost every circumstance, and many different environments all over the world. This is why I can bring you tools that will work for you to save your life or just open your lunch.

Since 2005 Burke Knives has been bringing customers high quality edged tools. During this time we have made cutlery for Soldiers and high end collectors alike. I know we can provide you with a high quality product, one that will last you a lifetime. After all we will still be here, and we will always make combat essential edged tools.